Concept Detail

Polygamy

glossary_term

The practice of having more than one wife at the same time, which is contrary to the unity of marriage between one man and one woman, and which offends against the dignity of woman

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Catechism Passages

Passages ranked by relevance to Polygamy, from most closely related outward.

§1645 CHAPTER THREE THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF COMMUNION

"The Unity of Marriage, distinctly recognized by our Lord, is made clear in the equal personal dignity which must be accorded to man and wife in mutual and unreserved affection." 153 Polygamy is contrary to conjugal love which is undivided and exclusive. 154

§2387 CHAPTER TWO YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF

The predicament of a man who, desiring to convert to the Gospel, is obliged to repudiate one or more wives with whom he has shared years of conjugal life, is understandable. However Polygamy is not in accord with the moral law." [Conjugal] communion is radically contradicted by polygamy; this, in fact, directly negates the plan of God which was revealed from the beginning, because it is contrary to the equal personal dignity of men and women who in matrimony give themselves with a love that is total and therefore unique and exclusive." 179 The Christian who has previously lived in polygamy has a grave duty in justice to honor the obligations contracted in regard to his former wives and his children.

Catechism of the Catholic Church © Libreria Editrice Vaticana